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Gospel: Mark 3: 7-12
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.
A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.
Hearing what he was doing,
a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem,
from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan,
and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.
He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd,
so that they would not crush him.
He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases
were pressing upon him to touch him.
And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him
and shout, “You are the Son of God.”
He warned them sternly not to make him known.
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Try to imagine the crowds following Jesus. There were the sick, the hungry, the poor, the deaf, the blind, and scariest of all, the possessed.
It seems Jesus is casting out demons everywhere he goes. And when they see him, the demons cry out, “You are the Son of God!”
“Quiet!” he commands them.
Why does Jesus insist upon not making his divine presence known?
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In the ancient world, the term, “son of God” was a relatively common term. Emperors and kings often used the title to describe their power and closeness to the gods.
When the demons call Jesus the “Son of God,” the crowds could easily mistake their words to mean that Jesus is an earthly king looking to expand his reign, making him a direct threat to Rome.
If this idea takes root, then Jesus can be arrested, even executed on the spot. Meaning, from the beginning of his ministry, demons are trying to stop the spread of his reign.
This is why Jesus needs to conceal his identity; he needs time to teach the crowds what kind of king he really is. There never has been – nor ever will be – another one like him.
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Jesus is a king of peace; born in a manger, not a palace; who leads by serving; who forgives sinners; who washes his disciples’ feet; who lays down his life only to take it up again.
Anyone who wants to be part of that kingdom must follow his example. As Saint Paul says, “the kingdom of God is a matter of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ in this way pleases God.”
We can please God in the simplest of ways: praying for others, reaching out to the lonely, sharing our resources, and maintaining a positive attitude throughout these challenging times.
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So how will I spread the kingdom of God today?
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